examples of strengths and weaknesses of a research study

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• Lesson 1: Qualitative and quan… /

Quantitative method Quantitive data are pieces of information that can be counted and which are usually gathered by surveys from large numbers of respondents randomly selected for inclusion. Secondary data such as census data, government statistics, health system metrics, etc. are often included in quantitative research. Quantitative data is analysed using statistical methods. Quantitative approaches are best used to answer what, when and who questions and are not well suited to how and why questions.

Qualitative method Qualitative data are usually gathered by observation, interviews or focus groups, but may also be gathered from written documents and through case studies.  In qualitative research there is less emphasis on counting numbers of people who think or behave in certain ways and more emphasis on explaining why people think and behave in certain ways.  Participants in qualitative studies often involve smaller numbers of tools include and utilizes open-ended questionnaires interview guides.  This type of research is best used to answer how and why questions and is not well suited to generalisable what, when and who questions.

Learn more about using quantitative and qualitative approaches in various study types in the next lesson.

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Evaluating research methods: Assumptions, strengths, and weaknesses of three research paradigms

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British Journal of Sociology

Solomon Tilahun

Introduction Educational researchers in every discipline need to be cognisant of alternative research traditions to make decisions about which method to use when embarking on a research study. There are two major approaches to research that can be used in the study of the social and the individual world. These are quantitative and qualitative research. Although there are books on research methods that discuss the differences between alternative approaches, it is rare to find an article that examines the design issues at the intersection of the quantitative and qualitative divide based on eminent research literature. The purpose of this article is to explain the major differences between the two research paradigms by comparing them in terms of their epistemological, theoretical, and methodological underpinnings. Since quantitative research has well-established strategies and methods but qualitative research is still growing and becoming more differentiated in methodological approaches, greater consideration will be given to the latter.

Katrin Niglas

Forum Qualitative Sozialforschung Forum Qualitative Social Research

Margrit Schreier

Kezang sherab

Issues in Educational Research

Noella Mackenzie

Flanny Alamparambil

Dr. Mustapha Kulungu

Darrell M Hull , Robin Henson , Cynthia S. Williams

How doctoral programs train future researchers in quantitative methods has important implications for the quality of scientifically based research in education. The purpose of this article, therefore, is to examine how quantitative methods are used in the literature and taught in doctoral programs. Evidence points to deficiencies in quantitative training and application in several areas: (a) methodological reporting problems, (b) researcher misconceptions and inaccuracies, (c) overreliance on traditional methods, and (d) a lack of coverage of modern advances. An argument is made that a culture supportive of quantitative methods is not consistently available to many applied education researchers. Collective quantitative proficiency is defined as a vision for a culture representative of broader support for quantitative methodology (statistics, measurement, and research design).

Research on Humanities and Social Sciences

Brian Mumba

How do we decide whether to use a quantitative or qualitative methodology for our study? Quantitative and qualitative research (are they a dichotomy or different ends on a continuum?). How do we analyse and write the results of a study for the research article or our thesis? Further questions can be asked such as; is the paradigm same as research design? How can we spot a paradigm in our research article? Although the questions are answered quietly explicitly, the discussion on the paradigm and research design remains technical. This can be evidenced by the confusion that people still face in differentiating between a paradigm, methodology, approach and design when doing research. The confusion is further worsened by the quantitative versus qualitative research dichotomies. This article addresses quantitative and qualitative research while discussing scientific research paradigms from educational measurement and evaluation perspective.

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Strengths and Limitations of Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods

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Strengths Approach to Research

The University of Minnesota provided new students access to take the Gallup Strengths from 2011-2016. This page was created based on those results and a students "Top 5." What are your strengths?  Strengths  can be used to support your academic and library work from picking a topic for a research paper to finding the sources you need to citing. There are many ways to go about doing research -- having an awareness of different ways to do it--will help. Research in  metacognition  tells us that having an awareness of your strengths before you begin a task or project can help you to learn more effectively. Below is information about ways to use your unique strengths to do academic and library research more effectively, efficiently and even enjoyably. 

Find your strength below

Enjoy hard work and being productive

• Talk to upperclassmen about their research.
• Set clear deadlines and goals. Meet them. Use the  Assignment Calculator.
• Consider writing for publication.
• Meet with the  librarian for your department or topic  to learn in depth.

Turning thoughts into actions

• Pick a topic for a cause or organization you are involved with such as a service learning, volunteer or  student group . Base your topic on how you can solve a problem or learn more about an issue in front of something in your real life or something you feel passionate about.
• Think of research as an active investigation and a way to learn more about something in your real life.
• Work to get a draft done and then share it with others for constructive feedback.
• Discuss your topic ideas with your instructor during office hours and clarify assignment requirements.

Adaptibility

Go with the flow

• Consider research as an adventure and enjoy the meandering path to learning. Research isn’t a race-your flexibility can lessen frustration when you don’t find exactly what you are looking for. Instead take time to enjoy finding something  unexpected . Adjust and flex your topic based on the research you find. You are not stuck in one way of thinking.
• Pick a topic which has potential for humor, irony and look for ways to connect the unexpected.
• Do your research  in the Libraries  when you need to focus and give your full attention and find a quiet spot to concentrate.

Search for reason and causes.

• Pick topics about questions/problems you want to know the answers to and that you are already curious about.
• Use a wide variety of sources for research including data, facts,  maps ,  primary sources , etc. and use this to dig deeper into the topic and to inform your thinking on the topic.
• Look for cause and effect relationships in your research such as in scientific discoveries, ethical lapses, legal judgements.
• Critically evaluate what you read and question an author’s conclusions.
• Draw mind maps to illustrate how your sub-topics, facts and ideas fit together.
• Identify your own biases before taking sides on an issue. Research all sides of an issue.

Figure out how all the pieces are organized

• Note dates on a calendar. Use the  Assignment Calculator .
• Consider where environmentally you work best.
• Plan fun activities as a reward for yourself after you complete tasks such as turning in a research project.
• Break down your project into separate pieces.

Core values that are unchanging

• Select research project topics that appeal to your core values
• Consider learning more about individuals who have stood for noble causes
• Be aware and explore opposing points of views

Take control and make decisions

• Jot down questions while you do research as questioning accelerates your learning.
• Challenge facts and do more research to uncover the truth.
• Consider research a debate and research all sides of an issue then use this to make a decision on your own conclusions.

Communication

Easily put your thoughts into words

• Talk with friends and classmates about topics you are interested in. Use these conversations to shape and refine your topic.
• Visit office hours to talk with your instructor about your topic ideas or what you have found in your research.
• Consider cross purposing your research--if you have another class in which you need to do a presentation or speech -- use the research paper for a different angle.
• Remember writing is putting your thoughts in writing. Think of a research paper as a speech or presentation and develop an outline in this way.

Competition

Strive to win first place and enjoy contests

• Clarify how the points are given in research papers by your instructor and spend time on the project accordingly
• Work to find an unusual topic that will challenge you instead of an “easy” topic or work to find unusual or unexpected sources (e.g. archival letter, video, interview, etc.)
• Become a master on your topic and strive to gather deep knowledge of the subject.
• Look for opportunities to submit your paper to the instructor as a model to share with future students or for campus awards.
• Consider looking at opportunities to publish your writing in a school publication, for a professional organization or for an outside publication.

Connectedness

Enjoy links between all things

• Select research topics that speak to your greater purpose and life goals. Select topics that allow you to make connections to the greater community, world or historical events.
• Use freewriting as a strategy and focus on making connections between ideas and research on a topic.
• Make connections between authors or scholars on a topic. Look at the bibliography or a tool like  Web of Science  or  Google Scholar  which lets you see who has cited whom.
• Look for study spot in the Libraries that have a  calm atmosphere .
• Help fellow students see connections to help their own research topics.

Consistency

Seek to treat people the same. Set up rules and adhere to them.

• Understand your research project and how points will be given.
• Use the  Assignment Calculator  to plan out the research and writing steps to complete your project.
• Balance facts gathered in research and focus on being objective. Create an outline to map out paper.
• Work to set up a routine when you get a new research paper assignment and follow those steps each time. Adjusting as needed.

Enjoy thinking about the past.

• Pick research topics which allow you to explore the past. For example -- Use a  history database  to search history journals.
• Study specific events, personalities or periods of history. Research political, natural, cultural aspects.
• Use the Libraries to find additional readings to support or give additional historical background on class topics.
• Consider exploring our  Archives or Special Collections  for a deeper look at the past and discover unique sources of information (e.g. public records, surveys, letters or legislation). Use  unexpected sources  of information such as photographs, paintings, blueprints, films, costumes, recipes, etc. These items will bring history to life.
• Work on a digital history project either your own or help to collect histories of others.
• If looking for a research mentor, use the Libraries to read the articles or writings of a potential mentor such as their doctoral dissertation, lectures, speeches, articles, etc.
• Consider enhancing a research paper by creating a narrative from the perspective of a person during that historical time period or a historical figure.

Deliberative

Anticipate obstacles. Take care in making decisions or choices.

• Prepare assignments in advance of due dates. Try the  Assignment Calculator .
• Review research paper assignments and flag potential obstacles. Make a plan to overcome them.
• Set aside enough time for research. Do a complete job of research and reading.
• Be aware that settling on one topic may be challenging so do preliminary research on multiple topics. Then decide.

Cultivate the potential in others. See improvements in others.

• Select a few possible research topics. Do preliminary topics then explain to a friend or fellow student about what you have learned to help select a topic.
• Become a  tutor  or help someone else in class in their research or writing.
• Reflect on the sources you have selected and track how these have increase your own knowledge on the topic.
• Talk to your mentor about your research to reinforce what you have learned and to clarify your own thoughts on the topic.
• Reflect upon what you have learned in your research paper and how that has impacted you.

Enjoy routine and structure. Create order.

• If the project is large scale, develop your own structure to meet the class requirements.
• Make an outline to break down a topic into parts. Work on and complete those parts individually.
• Because you strive for an organized space for studying, consider  studying in the Libraries .

Sense the feelings of others. Imagine yourself in other’s situations or lives.

• When possible, pick a topic involving people or historic figures.
• As you find sources, find out more about the authors such as their presence on social media, blogs, or research groups, etc.
• Be aware that research can be like a roller coaster with high points and low points.
• Imagine yourself in the place of the person or situation you are researching. Learn from this approach as you writing your paper.
• Consider enhancing a research paper by creating a narrative from the perspective of a person impacted by the topic you are writing about.

Prioritize, then act. Stay on track.

• Work with instructor to modify assignment to align it to your practical values if possible.
• Before doing research -- lists your accomplishments for that session of research.
• Outline the main points you plan to research and write about.
• Try to focus on one part of a large research paper at a time.

Visualize, but then use tools to manage deadlines.

• As someone who is fascinated by the future, share your grandiose ideas or perspectives when doing group research projects.
• Use your ability to visualize a final product as a launching pad.
• Consider creating a structured outline to your research and map out what is needed to complete each part.
• Do not get stuck in the dreaming and visualizing state. Consider using a tool like an  Assignment Calculator  to stay on schedule.

Find common ground. Be aware of opposing views.

• As someone who attempts to find common ground, be aware of opposing viewpoints in scholarly communication.
• Try  Points of View Reference Center , a library database.
• When evaluating information sources, consider authority and credibility.
• Seek out group projects that may benefit from your stability, calmness, and productivity.

Enjoy generating ideas during topic development, but don’t forget to focus on other required tasks.

• Since you are fascinated by ideas, topic development should be fun for you. Engage with other imaginative peers to brainstorm concepts.
• Keep a journal where you capture all of your creative ideas.
• You may struggle with narrowing your topic. Try to focus on depth, not breadth.
• The  Assignment Calculator  may help you stay on task and meet deadlines.
• When presenting your findings, look for creative ways like new presentation software or infographics.

Be social and consider study space options that work for you.

• Since you enjoy social interaction and thrive at making others feel included be sure to have a social component to your research process.
• Meet in a social  environment like a library or coffee shop  to discuss findings.
• Encourage reserved or shy peers to share their findings and viewpoints.

Individualization

Consider different points of view. Pair and share.

• You excel at finding the distinctions between people. Consider qualitative research such as observation and ethnography.
• Since you enjoy learning about different points of view, pair and share while researching and writing.
• Consider meeting with a  Peer Research Consultant . When writing, think about the uniqueness of contribution to the field of study.

Search, stay organized, and use tools to manage your time.

• You love collecting information. This will be beneficial in the information gathering stage of research and report writing. Search in the library catalog and databases.
• Use recommended  citation managers  for organizing your gathered notes, documents, and citations.
• Since you crave information, keep in mind that you may need to switch gears to writing or creation mode. Use the  Assignment Calculator  to help you manage your time.

Intellection

Study where you are most productive, and track your progress.

• As someone who is introspective, you may benefit from keeping a research journal. Keep track of what keywords and library databases have been successful.
• Be mindful of study spaces where you have been most productive. Consider  quiet or group study spaces in the University Libraries .
• Since you likely enjoy reading, find all of the materials that will help you with your research.
• Seek out help from your subject librarian if you are having trouble locating information information.
• Consider  citation managers  like Zotero to help you organize your information.

Select new and exciting topics. Consider your study space options.

• As someone who loves to learn, dive right in.
• Since you love new information, select research topics that are new and exciting to you. Others may be intimidated by unfamiliar topics, but you thrive in this environment.
• If you prefer quiet spaces when reading or writing, check out the  quiet study spaces in the University Libraries  .
• Strive to stay focused on your selected topic as opposed to veering off into other exciting topics of interest.

Help peers maximize talents. Find mentors.

• You are productive and have high expectations. Focus on your research talents, whatever they may be, and use them to benefit your discipline or community.
• In group research projects, help your peers maximize their talents.
• Find mentors in professors, librarians, and community members; these relationships will be most beneficial if you value their wisdom.

Use tools to set goal deadlines. Consider productive study spaces.

• Regardless of setbacks during the research process, you tend to react positively.
• Set incremental goals and use the  Assignment Calculator . Celebrate after each achievement.
• Since you work best in relaxed, social environments, consider researching and writing in public spaces like  University Libraries .
• Select research topics that are exciting to you and your interests.

Work in groups. Take social breaks.

• Since you value relationships, work with others during the research process. Seek input and assistance from  librarians , professors, and  Peer Research Consultants .
• If your research focus is very independant, reach out to others for periodic social breaks.
• You are interested in personalities and character; consider this when selecting research topics.

Responsibility

Ethically use information. Find the best sources for your project.

• Your focus on ethics will guide you to make ethical decisions about properly citing your sources. For assistance, we recommend using library  citation managers .
• Since you thrive on responsibility, go the extra mile with finding the best primary and secondary sources in library databases.
• Take the lead on group research projects.

Restorative

Solve problems. Research is an iterative process.

• As a natural problem solver, think about your research as a problem that needs to be solved.
• Analyze the problem as well as your research workflow.
• Searching is a strategic exploration. Use library databases.
• After finishing a draft, ask a peer to review for gaps. Make an effort to be comprehensive and complete by filling in the gaps and correcting the problems.

Self-Assurance

Be challenged. Solve problems.

• Since you enjoy being challenged, select a topic that others may find problematic.
• Trust your instincts when selecting paper topics and  citation managers .
• You may want to follow your intuition when evaluating sources. Be skeptical about things like authority and credibility.
• Keyword searching is often trial and error, and this works well for you because you are able to bounce back from adversity.

Significance

Share your research. Scholarship is a conversation.

• Since you enjoy exposure, consider publishing in a journal or presenting on your research at a conference.
• Consider selecting unique topics where you may be publicly recognized for unique contributions.
• Pair up with peers and faculty members with similar research interests.

Searching is strategic exploration. Be persistent.

• Since working backward from a goal works well for you, consider this approach to research.
• Envision the final product but also realize that topics and themes often evolve during the research and writing process.
• Be aware that searching is a complex process.
• Select research projects that coincide with your creative thinking or creative problem solving.

Research happens in a variety of spaces. Exchange ideas.

• Write and research in social environments like libraries and coffee shops. Find a  University Libraries space  that works for you.
• Share ideas with your classmates since you find interacting with other people to be energizing.
• Exchange ideas within your social network.
• Consider that scholarship is a conversation. You are engaging in scholarly communication when adding your research to the discipline.

Child Care and Early Education Research Connections

Descriptive research studies.

Descriptive research is a type of research that is used to describe the characteristics of a population. It collects data that are used to answer a wide range of what, when, and how questions pertaining to a particular population or group. For example, descriptive studies might be used to answer questions such as: What percentage of Head Start teachers have a bachelor's degree or higher? What is the average reading ability of 5-year-olds when they first enter kindergarten? What kinds of math activities are used in early childhood programs? When do children first receive regular child care from someone other than their parents? When are children with developmental disabilities first diagnosed and when do they first receive services? What factors do programs consider when making decisions about the type of assessments that will be used to assess the skills of the children in their programs? How do the types of services children receive from their early childhood program change as children age?

Descriptive research does not answer questions about why a certain phenomenon occurs or what the causes are. Answers to such questions are best obtained from  randomized and quasi-experimental studies . However, data from descriptive studies can be used to examine the relationships (correlations) among variables. While the findings from correlational analyses are not evidence of causality, they can help to distinguish variables that may be important in explaining a phenomenon from those that are not. Thus, descriptive research is often used to generate hypotheses that should be tested using more rigorous designs.

A variety of data collection methods may be used alone or in combination to answer the types of questions guiding descriptive research. Some of the more common methods include surveys, interviews, observations, case studies, and portfolios. The data collected through these methods can be either quantitative or qualitative. Quantitative data are typically analyzed and presenting using  descriptive statistics . Using quantitative data, researchers may describe the characteristics of a sample or population in terms of percentages (e.g., percentage of population that belong to different racial/ethnic groups, percentage of low-income families that receive different government services) or averages (e.g., average household income, average scores of reading, mathematics and language assessments). Quantitative data, such as narrative data collected as part of a case study, may be used to organize, classify, and used to identify patterns of behaviors, attitudes, and other characteristics of groups.

Descriptive studies have an important role in early care and education research. Studies such as the  National Survey of Early Care and Education  and the  National Household Education Surveys Program  have greatly increased our knowledge of the supply of and demand for child care in the U.S. The  Head Start Family and Child Experiences Survey  and the  Early Childhood Longitudinal Study Program  have provided researchers, policy makers and practitioners with rich information about school readiness skills of children in the U.S.

Each of the methods used to collect descriptive data have their own strengths and limitations. The following are some of the strengths and limitations of descriptive research studies in general.

Study participants are questioned or observed in a natural setting (e.g., their homes, child care or educational settings).

Study data can be used to identify the prevalence of particular problems and the need for new or additional services to address these problems.

Descriptive research may identify areas in need of additional research and relationships between variables that require future study. Descriptive research is often referred to as "hypothesis generating research."

Depending on the data collection method used, descriptive studies can generate rich datasets on large and diverse samples.

Limitations:

Descriptive studies cannot be used to establish cause and effect relationships.

Respondents may not be truthful when answering survey questions or may give socially desirable responses.

The choice and wording of questions on a questionnaire may influence the descriptive findings.

Depending on the type and size of sample, the findings may not be generalizable or produce an accurate description of the population of interest.

Find what you need to study

1.2 Research Methods in Psychology

4 min read • june 18, 2024

Sadiyya Holsey

Jillian Holbrook

Overview of Research Methods

There are various types of research methods in psychology with different purposes, strengths, and weaknesses. 

Experiment  🧪

Whenever researchers want to prove or find causation, they would run an experiment. 

An experiment you'll learn about in Unit 9 that was run by  Solomon Asch investigated the extent to which one would conform to a group's ideas.

Image Courtesy of  Wikipedia .

Each person in the room would have to look at these lines above and state which one they thought was of similar length to the original line. The answer was, of course, obvious, but Asch wanted to see if the "real participant" would conform to the views of the rest of the group.

Asch gathered together what we could call "fake participants" and told them not to say line C. The "real participant" would then hear wrong answers, but they did not want to be the odd one out, so they conformed with the rest of the group and represented the majority view.

In this experiment, the "real participant" was the control group , and about 75% of them, over 12 trials, conformed at least once.

Correlational Study 📈

There could be a correlational study between anything. Say you wanted to see if there was an association between the number of hours a teenager sleeps and their grades in high school. If there was a correlation, we cannot say that sleeping a greater number of hours causes higher grades. However, we can determine that they are related to each other. 💤

Remember in psychology that a correlation does not prove causation!  

Survey Research 💭

Surveys are used all the time, especially in advertising and marketing. They are often distributed to a large number of people, and the results are returned back to researchers.

Naturalistic Observation 👀

If a student wanted to observe how many people fully stop at a stop sign, they could watch the cars from a distance and record their data. This is a naturalistic observation since the student is in no way influencing the results.

Case Study  💼

A notable psychological case study is the study of Phineas Gage :

Image Courtesy of Vermont Journal

Phineas Gage was a railroad construction foreman who survived a severe brain injury in 1848. The accident occurred when an iron rod was accidentally driven through Gage's skull, damaging his frontal lobes . Despite the severity of the injury, Gage was able to walk and talk immediately after the accident and appeared to be relatively uninjured. 

However, Gage's personality underwent a dramatic change following the injury. He became impulsive, irresponsible, and prone to outbursts of anger, which were completely out of character for him before the accident. Gage's case is famous in the history of psychology because it was one of the first to suggest that damage to the frontal lobes of the brain can have significant effects on personality and behavior.

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• Review Article
• Published: 20 January 2009

How to critically appraise an article

• Jane M Young 1 &
• Michael J Solomon 2  

Nature Clinical Practice Gastroenterology & Hepatology volume  6 ,  pages 82–91 ( 2009 ) Cite this article

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Critical appraisal is a systematic process used to identify the strengths and weaknesses of a research article in order to assess the usefulness and validity of research findings. The most important components of a critical appraisal are an evaluation of the appropriateness of the study design for the research question and a careful assessment of the key methodological features of this design. Other factors that also should be considered include the suitability of the statistical methods used and their subsequent interpretation, potential conflicts of interest and the relevance of the research to one's own practice. This Review presents a 10-step guide to critical appraisal that aims to assist clinicians to identify the most relevant high-quality studies available to guide their clinical practice.

Critical appraisal is a systematic process used to identify the strengths and weaknesses of a research article

Critical appraisal provides a basis for decisions on whether to use the results of a study in clinical practice

Different study designs are prone to various sources of systematic bias

Design-specific, critical-appraisal checklists are useful tools to help assess study quality

Assessments of other factors, including the importance of the research question, the appropriateness of statistical analysis, the legitimacy of conclusions and potential conflicts of interest are an important part of the critical appraisal process

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JM Young is an Associate Professor of Public Health and the Executive Director of the Surgical Outcomes Research Centre at the University of Sydney and Sydney South-West Area Health Service, Sydney,

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Young, J., Solomon, M. How to critically appraise an article. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 6 , 82–91 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1038/ncpgasthep1331

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11.2: Strengths and weaknesses of survey research

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Learning Objectives

• Identify and explain the strengths of survey research
• Identify and explain the weaknesses of survey research

Survey research, as with all methods of data collection, comes with both strengths and weaknesses. We’ll examine both in this section.

Strengths of survey methods

Researchers employing survey methods to collect data enjoy a number of benefits. First, surveys are an excellent way to gather lots of information from many people. In a study of older people’s experiences in the workplace, researchers were able to mail a written questionnaire to around 500 people who lived throughout the state of Maine at a cost of just over $1,000. This cost included printing copies of a seven-page survey, printing a cover letter, addressing and stuffing envelopes, mailing the survey, and buying return postage for the survey. I realize that $1,000 is nothing to sneeze at, but just imagine what it might have cost to visit each of those people individually to interview them in person. You would have to dedicate a few weeks of your life at least, drive around the state, and pay for meals and lodging to interview each person individually. We could double, triple, or even quadruple our costs pretty quickly by opting for an in-person method of data collection over a mailed survey. Thus, surveys are relatively cost-effective.

Related to the benefit of cost-effectiveness is a survey’s potential for generalizability. Because surveys allow researchers to collect data from very large samples for a relatively low cost, survey methods lend themselves to probability sampling techniques, which we discussed in Chapter 10. Of all the data collection methods described in this textbook, survey research is probably the best method to use when one hopes to gain a representative picture of the attitudes and characteristics of a large group.

Survey research also tends to be a reliable method of inquiry. This is because surveys are standardized in that the same questions, phrased in exactly the same way, are posed to participants. Other methods, such as qualitative interviewing, which we’ll learn about in Chapter 13, do not offer the same consistency that a quantitative survey offers. This is not to say that all surveys are always reliable. A poorly phrased question can cause respondents to interpret its meaning differently, which can reduce that question’s reliability. Assuming well-constructed questions and survey design, one strength of this methodology is its potential to produce reliable results.

The versatility of survey research is also an asset. Surveys are used by all kinds of people in all kinds of professions. The versatility offered by survey research means that understanding how to construct and administer surveys is a useful skill to have for all kinds of jobs. Lawyers might use surveys in their efforts to select juries, social service and other organizations (e.g., churches, clubs, fundraising groups, activist groups) use them to evaluate the effectiveness of their efforts, businesses use them to learn how to market their products, governments use them to understand community opinions and needs, and politicians and media outlets use surveys to understand their constituencies.

In sum, the following are benefits of survey research:

• Cost-effectiveness
• Generalizability
• Reliability
• Versatility

Weaknesses of survey methods

As with all methods of data collection, survey research also comes with a few drawbacks. First, while one might argue that surveys are flexible in the sense that we can ask any number of questions on any number of topics in them, the fact that the survey researcher is generally stuck with a single instrument for collecting data, the questionnaire. Surveys are in many ways rather inflexible . Let’s say you mail a survey out to 1,000 people and then discover, as responses start coming in, that your phrasing on a particular question seems to be confusing a number of respondents. At this stage, it’s too late for a do-over or to change the question for the respondents who haven’t yet returned their surveys. When conducting in-depth interviews, on the other hand, a researcher can provide respondents further explanation if they’re confused by a question and can tweak their questions as they learn more about how respondents seem to understand them.

Depth can also be a problem with surveys. Survey questions are standardized; thus, it can be difficult to ask anything other than very general questions that a broad range of people will understand. Because of this, survey results may not be as valid as results obtained using methods of data collection that allow a researcher to more comprehensively examine whatever topic is being studied. Let’s say, for example, that you want to learn something about voters’ willingness to elect an African American president, as in our opening example in this chapter. General Social Survey respondents were asked, “If your party nominated an African American for president, would you vote for him if he were qualified for the job?” Respondents were then asked to respond either yes or no to the question. But what if someone’s opinion was more complex than could be answered with a simple yes or no? What if, for example, a person was willing to vote for an African American woman but not an African American man? [1]

In sum, potential drawbacks to survey research include the following:

• Inflexibility
• Lack of depth

Key Takeaways

• Strengths of survey research include its cost effectiveness, generalizability, reliability, and versatility.
• Weaknesses of survey research include inflexibility and issues with depth.

Image attributions

experience by mohamed_hassan CC-0

• I am not at all suggesting that such a perspective makes any sense. ↵

Want to create or adapt books like this? Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices.

Chapter 10: Qualitative Data Collection & Analysis Methods

10.7 Strengths and Weaknesses of Qualitative Interviews

As the preceding sections have suggested, qualitative interviews are an excellent way to gather detailed information. Whatever topic is of interest to the researcher can be explored in much more depth by employing this method than with almost any other method. Not only are participants given the opportunity to elaborate in a way that is not possible with other methods, such as survey research, but, in addition, they are able share information with researchers in their own words and from their own perspectives, rather than attempting to fit those perspectives into the perhaps limited response options provided by the researcher. Because qualitative interviews are designed to elicit detailed information, they are especially useful when a researcher’s aim is to study social processes, or the “how” of various phenomena. Yet another, and sometimes overlooked, benefit of qualitative interviews that occurs in person is that researchers can make observations beyond those that a respondent is orally reporting. A respondent’s body language, and even her or his choice of time and location for the interview, might provide a researcher with useful data.

As with quantitative survey research, qualitative interviews rely on respondents’ ability to accurately and honestly recall whatever details about their lives, circumstances, thoughts, opinions, or behaviors are being examined. Qualitative interviewing is also time-intensive and can be quite expensive. Creating an interview guide, identifying a sample, and conducting interviews are just the beginning of the process. Transcribing interviews is labor-intensive, even before coding begins. It is also not uncommon to offer respondents some monetary incentive or thank-you for participating, because you are asking for more of the participants’ time than if you had mailed them a questionnaire containing closed-ended questions. Conducting qualitative interviews is not only labor intensive but also emotionally taxing. Researchers embarking on a qualitative interview project with a subject that is sensitive in nature should keep in mind their own abilities to listen to stories that may be difficult to hear.

Research Methods for the Social Sciences: An Introduction Copyright © 2020 by Valerie Sheppard is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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11.2 Strengths and weaknesses of survey research

Learning objectives.

• Identify and explain the strengths of survey research
• Identify and explain the weaknesses of survey research

Survey research, as with all methods of data collection, comes with both strengths and weaknesses. We’ll examine both in this section.

Strengths of survey methods

  Researchers employing survey methods to collect data enjoy a number of benefits. First, surveys are an excellent way to gather lots of information from many people. In a study of older people’s experiences in the workplace, researchers were able to mail a written questionnaire to around 500 people who lived throughout the state of Maine at a cost of just over $1,000. This cost included printing copies of a seven-page survey, printing a cover letter, addressing and stuffing envelopes, mailing the survey, and buying return postage for the survey. I realize that $1,000 is nothing to sneeze at, but just imagine what it might have cost to visit each of those people individually to interview them in person. You would have to dedicate a few weeks of your life at least, drive around the state, and pay for meals and lodging to interview each person individually. We could double, triple, or even quadruple our costs pretty quickly by opting for an in-person method of data collection over a mailed survey. Thus, surveys are relatively cost-effective.

Related to the benefit of cost-effectiveness is a survey’s potential for generalizability. Surveys allow researchers to collect data from very large samples for a relatively low cost, therefore survey methods lend themselves to the probability sampling techniques discussed in Chapter 10. Of all the data collection methods described in this textbook, survey research is probably best to use when the researcher wishes to gain a representative picture of the attitudes and characteristics of a large group.

Survey research also tends to be a reliable method of inquiry. This is because surveys are standardized in that the same questions, phrased in exactly the same way, are posed to participants. Other methods like qualitative interviewing, which we’ll learn about in Chapter 13, do not offer the same consistency that a quantitative survey offers. This is not to say that all surveys are always reliable. A poorly phrased question can cause respondents to interpret its meaning differently, which can reduce that question’s reliability. Assuming well-constructed questions and survey design, one strength of this methodology is its potential to produce reliable results.

The versatility of survey research is also an asset. Surveys are used by all kinds of people in all kinds of professions, which means that understanding how to construct and administer surveys is a useful skill to have. Lawyers might use surveys in their efforts to select juries. Social services and other organizations (e.g., churches, clubs, fundraising groups, activist groups) use them to evaluate the effectiveness of their efforts. Businesses utilize surveys to inform marketing strategies for their products. Governments use surveys to understand community opinions and needs. Politicians and media outlets use surveys to understand their constituencies.

In sum, the following are benefits of survey research:

• Cost-effectiveness
• Generalizability
• Reliability
• Versatility

Weaknesses of survey methods

As with all methods of data collection, survey research comes with a few drawbacks. While some may argue that surveys are flexible because researchers can ask many different questions on a plethora of topics, survey researchers are generally confined to a single instrument for collecting data, the questionnaire. Surveys are in many ways rather inflexible . Let’s say you mail a survey out to 1,000 people and then discover, as responses start coming in, that your phrasing on a particular question seems to be confusing a number of respondents. At this stage, it’s too late for a do-over or to change the question for the respondents who haven’t yet returned their surveys. When conducting in-depth interviews, on the other hand, a researcher can provide respondents further explanation if they’re confused by a question and can tweak their questions as they learn more about how respondents seem to understand them.

Depth can also be a problem with surveys. Survey questions are standardized; thus, it can be difficult to ask anything other than very general questions that a broad range of people will understand. Due to the general nature of questions, survey results may not be as valid as results obtained using other methods of data collection that allow a researcher to comprehensively examine the topic being studied. For example, let’s think back to the opening example of this chapter and say that you want to learn something about voters’ willingness to elect an African American president. General Social Survey respondents were asked, “If your party nominated an African American for president, would you vote for him if he were qualified for the job?” Respondents were then asked to respond either yes or no to the question. What if someone’s opinion was more complex than a simple yes or no? What if, for example, a person was willing to vote for an African American woman but not an African American man? [1]

In sum, potential drawbacks to survey research include the following:

• Inflexibility
• Lack of depth

Key Takeaways

• Strengths of survey research include its cost effectiveness, generalizability, reliability, and versatility.
• Weaknesses of survey research include inflexibility and lack of potential depth.

Image attributions

experience by mohamed_hassan CC-0

• I am not at all suggesting that such a perspective makes any sense. ↵

Scientific Inquiry in Social Work Copyright © 2018 by Matthew DeCarlo is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

Share This Book

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Electroconvulsive Therapy Performed Outside of Surgical Suites: A Review of the Clinical Effectiveness, Safety, and Guidelines [Internet]. Ottawa (ON): Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health; 2015 Jan 14.

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Strengths and Weaknesses

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After one has submitted their best resume or  perfect resume  to a hiring manager, recruiter, or employer, they will be endorsed to the next step of the hiring or application process. Most application processes will let the person continue to the interview where the hiring manager or the HR will try to gauge the person’s personality, knowledge, and skills .

What Are the Strengths and Weaknesses?

Strengths are the skills, attributes, or areas of knowledge where an individual excels, providing a distinct advantage in certain situations or tasks. Conversely, weaknesses are aspects where an individual may lack proficiency, confidence, or capability, which can hinder progress in both personal and professional contexts. Recognizing the nature of these traits is the first step towards effective personal development.

Strengths and Weaknesses Examples for Students

• Curiosity – Eagerness to learn and explore new subjects.
• Time Management – Balancing schoolwork, hobbies, and social activities effectively.
• Organizational Skills – Keeping study materials and schedules well-organized.
• Critical Thinking – Ability to analyze information and form reasoned conclusions.
• Persistence – Continuing effort to achieve in spite of difficulties.
• Active Listening – Paying full attention in class and grasping new concepts quickly.
• Public Speaking – Comfort with presenting in front of peers.
• Adaptability to Technology – Proficiency in using digital tools for learning.
• Self-motivation – Initiating and completing tasks without external encouragement.
• Group Collaboration – Working effectively in project teams or study groups.
• Shyness – Difficulty in speaking up in class or group discussions.
• Distraction – Easily sidetracked by social media or other interests.
• Over-planning – Spending too much time on planning rather than doing.
• Fear of Public Speaking – Anxiety when required to present or speak publicly.
• Impulsiveness – Making decisions or actions without adequate thought.
• Prioritization – Struggling to identify which tasks or studies are most important.
• Test Anxiety – Nervousness that impairs performance during exams.
• Over-Reliance on Help – Depending too much on assistance from peers or teachers.
• Underestimating Deadlines – Frequently underestimating the time needed to complete assignments.
• Rigid Thinking – Difficulty adapting to new methods or different perspectives.

Strengths and Weaknesses Examples for Freshers

• Eagerness to Learn – High enthusiasm for acquiring new skills and knowledge.
• Flexibility – Willingness to take on various roles or responsibilities.
• Tech-Savvy – Strong familiarity with latest technology and software.
• Innovative Thinking – Bringing new ideas to the team.
• Cultural Awareness – Understanding and adapting to diverse workplace environments.
• Positive Attitude – Maintaining optimism and energy.
• Strong Work Ethic – Commitment to working hard and achieving results.
• Quick Learner – Ability to grasp new concepts and processes swiftly.
• Networking Skills – Building relationships within and outside the organization.
• Open-Mindedness – Receptive to feedback and different ideas.
• Limited Industry Experience – Lack of practical experience in a professional setting.
• Tendency to Overpromise – Committing to more than can be realistically delivered.
• Difficulty with Constructive Criticism – Taking feedback too personally.
• Lack of Confidence – Uncertainty in one’s abilities due to inexperience.
• Time Management in Work Settings – Adapting to managing work tasks efficiently.
• Fear of Asking Questions – Hesitation to seek clarification when needed.
• Struggle with Authority – Adjusting to hierarchical structures in the workplace.
• Over-Enthusiasm – Sometimes overwhelming others with intense energy.
• Lack of Negotiation Skills – Difficulty in bargaining or advocating for oneself.
• Inexperience with Office Politics – Naivety about navigating professional relationships.

Strengths and Weaknesses Examples for Job Interviews

• Professionalism – Consistent display of mature behavior and attitude.
• Communication Skills – Clarity in expressing thoughts and understanding others.
• Leadership Potential – Ability to guide and inspire others.
• Reliability – Dependability in completing tasks and meeting deadlines.
• Emotional Intelligence – Understanding and managing one’s emotions and those of others.
• Conflict Resolution – Skill in resolving disagreements effectively.
• Analytical Abilities – Competence in examining information and solving problems.
• Strategic Planning – Proficiency in setting goals and determining actions to achieve them.
• Customer Service Orientation – Dedication to fulfilling the needs and expectations of clients.
• Goal-Oriented – Focused on achieving specified outcomes.
• Perfectionistic Tendencies – Often spending too much time perfecting minor details.
• Overthinking – Complicating situations by thinking too much about them.
• High Self-Criticism – Frequently finding faults in one’s own work.
• Discomfort with Uncertainty – Struggling in situations where outcomes are unpredictable.
• Limited Experience in a Specific Role – Lack of specific skills due to limited role exposure.
• Difficulty Saying No – Tendency to take on more than can be handled.
• Inexperience with Remote Work – Adjusting to working outside a traditional office.
• Impatience with Slow Processes – Frustration with tasks that progress more slowly than expected.
• Sensitive to Stress – Difficulty managing stress in high-pressure environments.
• Multitasking – Sometimes losing focus when juggling multiple tasks.

Strengths and Weaknesses Examples for Nursing

• Empathy – High capacity to understand and share the feelings of others.
• Stamina – Physical and mental endurance during long shifts.
• Attention to Detail – Careful monitoring of patient symptoms and treatment plans.
• Communication with Patients and Families – Providing clear and compassionate information.
• Crisis Management – Ability to remain calm and effective during emergencies.
• Technical Skills – Proficiency in using medical equipment and performing procedures.
• Patient Advocacy – Ensuring patient needs and preferences are respected.
• Team Coordination – Collaborating efficiently with other healthcare professionals.
• Dedication to Patient Care – Commitment to providing high-quality care.
• Composure – Maintaining a calm demeanor in stressful situations.
• Emotional Involvement – Sometimes becoming too emotionally attached to patients.
• Physical Demands – Managing the physical strain of nursing duties.
• Shift Work Challenges – Adjusting to irregular hours and night shifts.
• Handling Paperwork – Difficulty with the extensive documentation required in nursing.
• Time Management with Patient Load – Balancing time among multiple patients.
• Dealing with Loss – Coping with the emotional impact of patient death.
• Updating Skills – Keeping up-to-date with medical practices and technologies.
• Managing Patient Expectations – Handling situations where patient expectations are not met.
• Resource Limitations – Working effectively despite resource constraints in healthcare settings.
• Burnout – Risk of emotional and physical exhaustion from high-stress situations.

How to Answer The Strengths and Weaknesses Interview Question

The “What are your strengths and weakness?” question allows the interviewee to showcase one’s self-awareness and willingness to learn and improve. To answer this question, one must comfortably list out their various hard skills , soft skills , and flaws to the interviewer and illustrate how one can leverage these strengths and weaknesses in one’s work.

Step 1: Understand the Context of The Interview Based on the Position You are Applying For

Begin by understanding the context , theme , and tone of the interview you will be in. This will help you navigate specific nuances and terms that are relevant to the position you are going to be applying for.

Step 2: Practice Proper Body Language and Delivery During the Interview

Body language plays a large role in a successful job interview. This means that you must practice proper body language and delivery when you are giving your strengths and weaknesses as these can be a great tell whether you are open to the idea of willingly sharing said answers.

Step 3: Create an Outline to Act as A Reference During the Interview Proper

Create an outline that you can use to structure your answer to this question. Using the outline , you can create a well-paced interview answer that can properly detail your strengths and weaknesses in an instant.

Step 4: List Out a Reference of Your Strengths and Weaknesses before the Interview

You can also create a small note that will list your strengths and weaknesses in bullet form, which will act as a guide during the interview. You can use your general resume or the position’s job description as a reference for what you can put on your list.

Examples of Strengths and Weaknesses Responses

Strengths : “My primary strength is my problem-solving ability. Last year, I led a project that encountered multiple unexpected hurdles. My ability to quickly analyze the issues and propose effective solutions helped us meet our deadlines without compromising quality.”

Weaknesses : “I sometimes struggle with delegation. I take pride in my work and can be meticulous, which makes it challenging to hand over responsibilities. However, I’m actively working to trust my team more and have taken leadership courses to improve my managerial skills.”

Strengths : “I am very adaptable, which allows me to handle changes in workplace environments effectively. For example, when my company shifted to remote work, I was one of the first to adapt and even helped colleagues troubleshoot their setups.”

Weaknesses : “Public speaking has always been a challenge for me. Recognizing this, I joined a local Toastmasters club to improve my speaking skills. This has not only boosted my confidence but also enhanced my ability to communicate my points more clearly in meetings.”

Strengths : “I excel at critical thinking and have a keen analytical mind. In my current role, this has enabled me to anticipate potential problems and devise preemptive solutions, which has been instrumental in optimizing our operational processes.”

Weaknesses : “I have been overly cautious sometimes, especially when it comes to risk-taking. I’ve been working on balancing risk and caution by consulting more with peers and mentors before making decisions, which has led to more dynamic and profitable project outcomes.”

Strengths : “Organizational skills are one of my strongest points. At my previous job, I was often commended for my ability to manage multiple projects efficiently without missing deadlines. This skill has been crucial in maintaining productivity and meeting targets consistently.”

Weaknesses : “I’ve noticed that my technical skills were not as strong as they could be, particularly regarding the latest software in our industry. To address this, I have enrolled in several courses and am currently upskilling to ensure I stay relevant and efficient in my role.”

Strengths : “I have a strong work ethic and am extremely reliable. In my last position, I was the go-to person for urgent tasks because my team knew I would handle the pressure well and deliver the work on time.”

Weaknesses : “Earlier in my career, I found it difficult to say ‘no’ to additional tasks, which sometimes affected my work-life balance. I’ve learned to manage my workload better by prioritizing tasks and communicating more openly with my supervisors about my capacity.”

Strengths : “One of my main strengths is my ability to communicate effectively. In my previous role, I was responsible for coordinating between different teams. My communication skills helped streamline projects and reduce misunderstandings, which improved our team’s overall productivity.”

Weaknesses : “A weakness I’ve been working on is my proficiency in advanced Excel functions. I realized this was a gap in my skills during a complex project, so I’ve since taken an online course and have been practicing regularly. It’s something I’ve improved significantly and continue to work on.”

Strengths and Weaknesses List

• Adaptability – Ability to adjust to new conditions or changes in the environment.
• Communication – Proficient in sharing information, ideas, and feelings effectively.
• Problem-solving – Aptitude for identifying solutions to complex or challenging issues.
• Resilience – Capacity to recover quickly from difficulties or setbacks.
• Teamwork – Ability to work effectively and harmoniously with others.
• Leadership – Skill in leading, motivating, and organizing groups or teams.
• Creativity – Talent for thinking of innovative or original ideas.
• Attention to Detail – Focus on the minor aspects and accuracy in tasks.
• Time Management – Efficiency in managing one’s time to maximize productivity.
• Technical Proficiency – Expertise in specific technical fields or tools.
• Procrastination – Tendency to delay or postpone tasks unnecessarily.
• Impatience – Difficulty in tolerating delays or problems without becoming annoyed or anxious.
• Difficulty Delegating – Reluctance to assign responsibilities to others.
• Sensitivity – Overly reactive or susceptible to others’ comments or situations.
• Perfectionism – The need to achieve flawlessness, often at the expense of time and stress.
• Overcommitment – Taking on more tasks or responsibilities than manageable.
• Fear of Failure – Avoidance of risk or challenges due to the fear of not succeeding.
• Resistance to Change – Difficulty or reluctance to adapt to changes.
• Limited Experience – Areas where experience or knowledge is insufficient.
• Overconfidence – Excessive belief in one’s abilities, sometimes leading to mistakes or oversights.

Understand the Importance

It’s important to understand why interviewers ask about them. This question helps interviewers gauge self-awareness, honesty, and the ability to self-improve. Recognizing the purpose behind the question can guide your preparation and help you tailor your answers to showcase your suitability for the job.

Why Interviewers Ask About Strengths

• Alignment with Job Requirements : How well the candidate’s strengths match the skills and attributes required for the job.
• Self-Awareness : How well the candidate understands their own abilities and can articulate them confidently.
• Potential Contribution : What specific contributions the candidate might make to the team or company based on their strengths.

Why Interviewers Ask About Weaknesses

• Self-Awareness and Honesty : It shows whether a candidate can critically evaluate themselves and acknowledge areas needing improvement.
• Growth Mindset : It demonstrates whether the candidate is proactive about personal and professional growth by identifying weaknesses and working on them.
• Fit and Management : Understanding a candidate’s weaknesses helps the interviewer determine how well the candidate might integrate into the team and what support they might need.

Turning Weaknesses Into Opportunities

Discussing your weaknesses openly can turn them into strengths in the eyes of an interviewer. Explain the steps you are taking to overcome these weaknesses. This might include professional development courses, mentoring, or new strategies you are implementing in your work.

Strategies for Discussing Strengths in an Interview

Identify relevant strengths.

Before the interview, reflect on your key strengths that align with the job description. Consider the following:

• Skills : Technical and soft skills that are directly applicable to the job.
• Experiences : Specific instances where you successfully applied your skills.
• Attributes : Personal qualities like resilience, leadership, or creativity that make you a unique candidate.

Use Examples

When discussing your strengths, it’s effective to illustrate them with concrete examples:

• Situation-Action-Result (SAR) Format : Describe a situation, the action you took, and the results of your actions. This method provides a clear narrative that highlights the impact of your strengths.
• Quantifiable Achievements : Whenever possible, use numbers to quantify your achievements. For example, “increased sales by 20%” or “managed a team of 10.”

Tailor Your Strengths to the Job

Customize your discussion to fit the specific job and company:

• Job Description : Refer back to the job listing to highlight strengths that are directly mentioned or implied as important.
• Company Culture : If the company values certain traits, like innovation or teamwork, emphasize these qualities in your examples.

Be Authentic

Authenticity resonates well in interviews:

• Honesty : Be genuine about your strengths. Exaggerating or misrepresenting your abilities can lead to challenges down the line.
• Confidence : Present your strengths confidently but without arrogance. Acknowledge teamwork and the role of others in your successes when applicable.

Practice Your Delivery

Practicing how you talk about your strengths can make your delivery more natural and confident:

• Mock Interviews : Conduct practice interviews with friends or mentors. Ask for feedback on your clarity and delivery.
• Record Yourself : Sometimes, recording yourself and playing it back can reveal areas for improvement in tone and pacing.

Strategies for Discussing Weaknesses in an Interview

Choose appropriate weaknesses.

• Job-Relevant : Choose weaknesses that are not central to the job requirements. For instance, if you are applying for a data analyst position, you might mention public speaking instead of statistical analysis.
• Genuine : Pick real weaknesses. Avoid clichés like “I’m a perfectionist,” unless you can discuss genuine challenges it has caused and how you are addressing them.

Frame Weaknesses Constructively

• Positive Framing : Focus on how you’ve recognized the weakness and the steps you’re taking to improve. This shows a proactive attitude.
• Growth Mindset : Demonstrate that you view weaknesses as opportunities for growth rather than fixed flaws.

Use Specific Examples

Similar to discussing strengths, use examples to illustrate your weaknesses:

• Situation-Action-Result (SAR) Model : Describe a specific instance where your weakness came into play, what you did to handle the situation, and the outcome.
• Continuous Improvement : Highlight any training, courses, or self-study you have undertaken to mitigate your weaknesses.

Be Proactive in Your Approach

• Action Steps : Discuss specific actions you are taking, such as seeking mentorship, attending workshops, or practicing new skills.
• Feedback Utilization : Mention how you use feedback constructively to improve your performance in areas of weakness.

Maintain a Balanced Perspective

• No Overemphasis : Don’t dwell too long on your weaknesses or give them more weight than your strengths.
• Confidence : Maintain confidence while discussing your weaknesses. Acknowledge them as part of your professional development rather than as impediments.

Practice Your Responses

• Mock Interviews : Practice with a friend or mentor to refine how you present your weaknesses.
• Record and Review : Recording your practice sessions can help you notice and correct any hesitations or overly negative tones.

Impact of Strengths and Weaknesses on Career Development

Your career progression can be significantly influenced by how well you manage your strengths and weaknesses. Leveraging strengths while mitigating weaknesses can lead to enhanced job performance, greater career opportunities, and increased job satisfaction.

1. Strengths and Weaknesses Example

Tips for Answering “Strengths and Weaknesses” in an Interview

• Identify real strengths: Focus on qualities that are relevant to the role you are applying for, such as communication skills, problem-solving, and leadership.
• Provide examples: Support your strengths with concrete examples of how you have demonstrated these qualities in past roles or projects.
• Be specific: Avoid generic strengths and instead, tailor your strengths to the specific job and company.
• Connect to the job: Show how your strengths make you a perfect fit for the job and how they can contribute to the organization’s goals.

Weaknesses:

• Choose wisely: Select a weakness that is genuine but not a critical component of the job responsibilities.
• Frame it positively: Present your weakness in a way that also shows your awareness and proactive steps to manage or improve it.
• Show progress: Discuss any steps you’ve taken to overcome your weakness, demonstrating your commitment to self-improvement.
• Keep it professional: Focus on professional weaknesses rather than personal ones. Avoid mentioning weaknesses that raise red flags about your ability to perform the job effectively.

What are the common strengths in individuals?

Common strengths include adaptability, communication skills, resilience, and problem-solving abilities.

How can one identify their weaknesses?

Identify weaknesses by seeking feedback, self-assessment, and observing recurring challenges in your activities.

Why is knowing your strengths important?

Understanding your strengths helps maximize your effectiveness and guide career choices and personal development.

How can weaknesses be turned into strengths?

Transform weaknesses into strengths through targeted practice, learning new skills, and seeking mentorship or coaching.

What role do strengths play in workplace success?

Strengths contribute to higher productivity, better job satisfaction, and improved teamwork in the workplace.

Can strengths sometimes become weaknesses?

Yes, overemphasized strengths can turn into weaknesses, such as perfectionism leading to procrastination or burnout.

How should one discuss weaknesses in a job interview?

In job interviews, present weaknesses honestly but focus on steps taken to address and improve them.

Are strengths and weaknesses fixed traits?

Strengths and weaknesses can evolve with experiences, education, and personal efforts towards self-improvement.

How can understanding weaknesses improve relationships?

Recognizing and working on weaknesses can foster empathy, better communication, and stronger bonds in relationships.

What methods can help in balancing strengths and weaknesses?

Balancing can be achieved by leveraging strengths in areas of weakness and continuously working on personal growth and development.

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

10 Examples of Public speaking

20 Examples of Gas lighting

Sampling Methods In Reseach: Types, Techniques, & Examples

Saul Mcleod, PhD

Editor-in-Chief for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester

Saul Mcleod, PhD., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years of experience in further and higher education. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology.

Learn about our Editorial Process

Olivia Guy-Evans, MSc

Associate Editor for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc Psychology of Education

Olivia Guy-Evans is a writer and associate editor for Simply Psychology. She has previously worked in healthcare and educational sectors.

On This Page:

Sampling methods in psychology refer to strategies used to select a subset of individuals (a sample) from a larger population, to study and draw inferences about the entire population. Common methods include random sampling, stratified sampling, cluster sampling, and convenience sampling. Proper sampling ensures representative, generalizable, and valid research results.

• Sampling : the process of selecting a representative group from the population under study.
• Target population : the total group of individuals from which the sample might be drawn.
• Sample: a subset of individuals selected from a larger population for study or investigation. Those included in the sample are termed “participants.”
• Generalizability : the ability to apply research findings from a sample to the broader target population, contingent on the sample being representative of that population.

For instance, if the advert for volunteers is published in the New York Times, this limits how much the study’s findings can be generalized to the whole population, because NYT readers may not represent the entire population in certain respects (e.g., politically, socio-economically).

The Purpose of Sampling

We are interested in learning about large groups of people with something in common in psychological research. We call the group interested in studying our “target population.”

In some types of research, the target population might be as broad as all humans. Still, in other types of research, the target population might be a smaller group, such as teenagers, preschool children, or people who misuse drugs.

Studying every person in a target population is more or less impossible. Hence, psychologists select a sample or sub-group of the population that is likely to be representative of the target population we are interested in.

This is important because we want to generalize from the sample to the target population. The more representative the sample, the more confident the researcher can be that the results can be generalized to the target population.

One of the problems that can occur when selecting a sample from a target population is sampling bias. Sampling bias refers to situations where the sample does not reflect the characteristics of the target population.

Many psychology studies have a biased sample because they have used an opportunity sample that comprises university students as their participants (e.g., Asch ).

OK, so you’ve thought up this brilliant psychological study and designed it perfectly. But who will you try it out on, and how will you select your participants?

There are various sampling methods. The one chosen will depend on a number of factors (such as time, money, etc.).

Random Sampling

Random sampling is a type of probability sampling where everyone in the entire target population has an equal chance of being selected.

This is similar to the national lottery. If the “population” is everyone who bought a lottery ticket, then everyone has an equal chance of winning the lottery (assuming they all have one ticket each).

Random samples require naming or numbering the target population and then using some raffle method to choose those to make up the sample. Random samples are the best method of selecting your sample from the population of interest.

• The advantages are that your sample should represent the target population and eliminate sampling bias.
• The disadvantage is that it is very difficult to achieve (i.e., time, effort, and money).

Stratified Sampling

During stratified sampling , the researcher identifies the different types of people that make up the target population and works out the proportions needed for the sample to be representative.

A list is made of each variable (e.g., IQ, gender, etc.) that might have an effect on the research. For example, if we are interested in the money spent on books by undergraduates, then the main subject studied may be an important variable.

For example, students studying English Literature may spend more money on books than engineering students, so if we use a large percentage of English students or engineering students, our results will not be accurate.

We have to determine the relative percentage of each group at a university, e.g., Engineering 10%, Social Sciences 15%, English 20%, Sciences 25%, Languages 10%, Law 5%, and Medicine 15%. The sample must then contain all these groups in the same proportion as the target population (university students).

• The disadvantage of stratified sampling is that gathering such a sample would be extremely time-consuming and difficult to do. This method is rarely used in Psychology.
• However, the advantage is that the sample should be highly representative of the target population, and therefore we can generalize from the results obtained.

Opportunity Sampling

Opportunity sampling is a method in which participants are chosen based on their ease of availability and proximity to the researcher, rather than using random or systematic criteria. It’s a type of convenience sampling .

An opportunity sample is obtained by asking members of the population of interest if they would participate in your research. An example would be selecting a sample of students from those coming out of the library.

• This is a quick and easy way of choosing participants (advantage)
• It may not provide a representative sample and could be biased (disadvantage).

Systematic Sampling

Systematic sampling is a method where every nth individual is selected from a list or sequence to form a sample, ensuring even and regular intervals between chosen subjects.

Participants are systematically selected (i.e., orderly/logical) from the target population, like every nth participant on a list of names.

To take a systematic sample, you list all the population members and then decide upon a sample you would like. By dividing the number of people in the population by the number of people you want in your sample, you get a number we will call n.

If you take every nth name, you will get a systematic sample of the correct size. If, for example, you wanted to sample 150 children from a school of 1,500, you would take every 10th name.

• The advantage of this method is that it should provide a representative sample.

Sample size

The sample size is a critical factor in determining the reliability and validity of a study’s findings. While increasing the sample size can enhance the generalizability of results, it’s also essential to balance practical considerations, such as resource constraints and diminishing returns from ever-larger samples.

Reliability and Validity

Reliability refers to the consistency and reproducibility of research findings across different occasions, researchers, or instruments. A small sample size may lead to inconsistent results due to increased susceptibility to random error or the influence of outliers. In contrast, a larger sample minimizes these errors, promoting more reliable results.

Validity pertains to the accuracy and truthfulness of research findings. For a study to be valid, it should accurately measure what it intends to do. A small, unrepresentative sample can compromise external validity, meaning the results don’t generalize well to the larger population. A larger sample captures more variability, ensuring that specific subgroups or anomalies don’t overly influence results.

Practical Considerations

Resource Constraints : Larger samples demand more time, money, and resources. Data collection becomes more extensive, data analysis more complex, and logistics more challenging.

Diminishing Returns : While increasing the sample size generally leads to improved accuracy and precision, there’s a point where adding more participants yields only marginal benefits. For instance, going from 50 to 500 participants might significantly boost a study’s robustness, but jumping from 10,000 to 10,500 might not offer a comparable advantage, especially considering the added costs.

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